International Operations Branch

QUICK FACTS

RCMP LOs around the world

North America, Latin America & Carribbean:

• U.S.A.:
  • Miami, Florida
  • New York, NY
  • Seattle, Washington
  • Washington, D.C.
• Kingston, Jamaica
• Mexico City, Mexico
• Bogota, Columbia
• Caracas, Venezuela
• Brasilia, Brazil
• Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
• Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Europe:

• London, England
• Paris, France
• Berlin, Germany
• The Hague, Netherlands
• Rome, Italy

Asia-Pacific:

• New Delhi, India
• Islamabad, Pakistan
• Bangkok, Thailand
• Hong Kong, China
• Beijing, China
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Africa & Middle East:

• Rabat, Morocco
• Pretoria, South Africa
• Amman, Jordan
• Dubai, U.A.E.

Overview

The International Operations Branch – through the Liaison Officer (LO) Program – provides direction, support and assistance to Canadian law enforcement agencies in the prevention and detection of international offences that impact Canada.

Currently, the branch has 37 LOs deployed to 26 locations around the world. They are organized into three geographic regions: Asia-Pacific/South Africa; Europe/Middle East/East-Africa; and the Western Hemisphere

Mandate

The primary role of an LO is to maintain a link between law enforcement agencies in Canada and in their countries of accreditation in order to facilitate bilateral cooperation to advance criminal matters that have a Canadian connection.

LOs will assist whenever the RCMP engages another country in pursuing major, long-term investigations related for instance to national security, drugs, organized crime, homicide, proceeds of crime, corruption and human smuggling.  Being located in areas where organized crime groups operate, and using their knowledge of a host country, LOs are able to provide critical support to both domestic and international partners.

While they play a significant role in Canadian investigations that reach beyond our borders, LOs have no jurisdiction abroad. They can only advance Canadian investigations with the approval and cooperation of foreign authorities.

Activities

Posting LOs in strategic locations around the world not only provides Canada with an international link that is crucial in today’s policing environment, but also helps contribute to the safety and security of Canadians here at home. 

Here’s a look at the primary duties that Liaison Officers perform:

• Facilitate major Canadian investigative inquiries in foreign countries.
• Develop and maintain the exchange of criminal intelligence between the RCMP and foreign authorities.
• Provide assistance to foreign agencies in investigations that affect Canada.
• Coordinate and assist RCMP employees traveling abroad on official business.
• Represent the RCMP at international conferences and seminars.
• Help facilitate training and capacity-building initiatives in foreign countries.

PDF Version (89KB)